" " Skip To Main Content

The Sphere Program

Imagine a program where young minds are empowered to master cutting-edge technology while crafting real-world solutions to problems they care deeply about. Where students can push the boundaries of their learning in an enriched environment that extends beyond the classroom walls to take advantage of being surrounded by nature. 

GRADE 4 & 5 PROGRAM FEATURES:

  • Rigorous academics in all curriculum subjects
  • Tech-based learning (AI, coding, robotics)
  • Enriched, immersive science exploration
  • Farm-to-table, health and wellness
  • Art, design and prototyping
  • Outdoor education and leadership
  • Community engagement and action
  • Interdisciplinary curriculum
  • Pathway to the Middle School SPARC program at Pickering College
  • Small class sizes with self-directed inquiry
teacher with students and robot in design studio

SPHERE STUDENTS ARE:

  • Curious, active problem solvers
  • Eager and passionate to be challenged
  • Seeking enrichment opportunities
  • Motivated to test solutions with hands-on projects
  • Enthusiastic to understand complex ideas

The experiential Sphere Program taps into Grade 4 and 5 students’ natural curiosity and enthusiasm to explore and try new things, which lays the foundation to tackle the challenges and opportunities that come with more independence during the approaching Middle School years.

Interested? Contact Julia Hunt at jhunt@pickeringcollege.on.ca for more details. 

Teacher and students in learning garden

Students will benefit from exciting day and overnight excursions, industry-leading guest speakers, deep relationships with community organizations and additional certifications from accredited organizations. 


 

teacher with students and robot in forest

SPHERE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

  • Makerspace and design studio
  • 75 acres of environmental and agricultural features
  • Natural living laboratory for science exploration
  • Indoor and outdoor classroom spaces
  • 5 km of walkable trails and pond with observation deck
  • Greenhouse, learning garden and kitchen for farm-to-table activities
  • Central meadow gathering space with fire-pits, outdoor kitchen, pizza oven and camping platforms
  • Forest zones for outdoor education and leadership activities
  • Chicken coop, bee hives and a sugar bush for maple tapping

 

sample activities

  • Build robots to weed and water the garden, and present this technology to local community gardeners and farmers
  • Use sensors to analyze the microbiology of soil data sensors and improve crop output for the Sphere and Pickering College lunch programs
  • Investigate irrigation systems, build prototypes, test and improve models for optimal garden water systems
  • Fly drones to thermal map a property and provide this research to conservation organizations
  • Understand space: build a roving robot to simulate conditions on Mars and compare findings with space centres
  • Study the chemistry of water and the compounds within a waterway to understand how to contribute to a healthy watershed in the region
  • Use polished written and oral presentation skills to share findings with not-for-profits, local authorities and research bodies

 

 

kids smiling outdoors

 

Learning is:

Personalized

Students have opportunities to self-direct their topics and outcomes. Teacher-led AI programs are used to enhance literacy and numeracy for a completely personalized, rigorous academic program.

Authentic

Students learn through real community, agriculture and outdoor challenges, applying science, cutting-edge technology and a wide-range of design materials to prototype solutions.

Interdisciplinary

Curriculum is taught thematically, drawing subjects together for authentic understanding. Students confidently apply knowledge from all subject areas.

Sphere curriculum is organized into four interdisciplinary units.


 

two students catching a frog
Student presenting to classmates outdoors

Frequently Asked Questions